Submitted: Backyard Maple Syrup Production Class coming to Ravenna

By Seth Kannberg

Although we typically think of winter as a hibernation period for agriculture, this is actually the perfect time to take part in the time-honored tradition of maple syrup production unique to the northeastern United States, including Ohio! Cold nights and warm days during late winter and early spring create ideal conditions for sap flow. By tapping maple trees—especially sugar and black maples with their high sugar content—hobbyists and producers alike can harvest sap to boil down into maple syrup or other treats like maple sugar and cream. Just a handful of maple trees in the backyard can produce more than enough syrup for an entire family.